PLEASE help choosing LCD TV! - Page 3

Spilchy · 04-29-08, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by reaper34

well if what you have to choose from isn't 120hz for lcd I would lean toward plasma. the 120hz makes all the difference.

I see you're from Bloomington. I went to IU class of '96! Great time.

reaper34 · 04-29-08, 10:31

it is right. born and raised and love the town still. the only thing thats not great is students driving. anywhere!

bumoftheday · 04-29-08, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spilchy

Looks like I can use all my points and get this Plasma

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...4549&aid=69442

Is this a good one? There is no model number.

The panasonic is a better TV if you can spare the 4000 points

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...0300&aid=57279

Spilchy · 04-29-08, 12:57

I got a new car which is due in tomorrow right off the truck! So I will put the down payment on my Amex and it will give me enough for that plasma. (I got a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 coupe in Belize Blue Pearl with black leather).

I have to upgrade my set top cable box which will cost an additional $5.00 a month; not a problem. I have the Verizon FiOS service. Verizon | FiOS TV

Now I want to install an HDMI cable. Do I need any other of my older S Video and audio component cables that I currently have installed? Or does the HDMI cable cover both and I can ditch the old cables?

Is eBay a good source for HDMI cables? I heard you can get good ones for a fraction of the price.

Any help pertaining to the setup of the new TV and new cable box would be appreciated.

Thanks.

brownkc · 04-29-08, 01:03

I have always heard Samsung makes a great LCD TV. It's generally one of the highest rated. Panny's I think are better if you are considering a plasma. I wouldn't worry about 1080p because of size. The breaking point is 42" (saw this on a website today) based on an average American viewing distance of 9'. To appreciate more lines of resolution you would have to sit closer to the TV.

After buying my first HDTV about a 1.5 years ago, my recommendation is to go with a good brand and err on the side of a larger TV. Trust me you will always appreciate the larger picture when enjoying HDTV.

Also, be sure to read reviews about SDTV (Standard Definition TV) viewing on the set you want to buy. So much of our content is still SDTV that you want a TV that does a decent job upconverting the signal. (An SDTV signal is 480i, 240 lines redrawn with every pass alternating odd and even. Your TV or a component in the loop has to multiply and create new lines to equal 720p, all 720 lines redrawn in every pass, or 1080i/p. The new standards are not a direct multiple of the previous standard so the upconverter has to make up its own information to smooth out the picture.)

Based on your choices, I would go with the 42" Sammy but would read reviews on its SDTV view.

twitch · 04-29-08, 01:21

Seth - My Cable Mart is a great place to get cables. A friend of mine found a cheaper cable on eBay BUT shipping took longer because it came from Hong Kong.

If your connection is HDMI to HDMI this will also carry your audio signal. Now if you go from DVI to HDMI, for example, a separate cable will be needed because DVI does not carry audio.

Spilchy · 04-29-08, 06:45

What about this 1080p LCD?

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...DESC&aid=69450

bumoftheday · 04-30-08, 04:42

You may still have to use older cables for older devices. Stick with HDMI where you can, and use component if not.

Check HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! for all of your cables. It's about $4+shipping for a 6ft cable.

reaper34 · 04-30-08, 04:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spilchy

What about this 1080p LCD?

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...DESC&aid=69450

if it's not 120Hz you probably won't like it. sports will be all blurry. again I'd go 120Hz or plasma.

brownkc · 04-30-08, 05:05

Here was the website I mentioned yesterday. I came across the link again this morning.

The 10 Worst HDTV Scams, Lies and Video Ripoffs HDGURU.Com

Dirty-Sanchez · 04-30-08, 05:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spilchy

Is eBay a good source for HDMI cables? I heard you can get good ones for a fraction of the price.

Any help pertaining to the setup of the new TV and new cable box would be appreciated.

Thanks.

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A great information source for configuring your Home Theater (TV, Cable Box, etc...) . Sign up and research your TV, and you'll find a ton of informative tips.

Setec Astronomy · 04-30-08, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by reaper34

if it's not 120Hz you probably won't like it. sports will be all blurry. again I'd go 120Hz or plasma.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownkc

Here was the website I mentioned yesterday. I came across the link again this morning.

The 10 Worst HDTV Scams, Lies and Video Ripoffs HDGURU.Com

Here's #2 on that list:

"2-120Hz HDMI Cables

Super priced HDMI cables that cost over 100 times more than ones you can buy from Amazon.com ($1.98) are claimed to handle “faster speed” signals to meet the requirements of 120 Hz signals, and therefore are present and “future” ready.

The rip-off? There are no 120 Hz signals today or planned in the future. All 120 Hz HDTVs today or tomorrow accept signals at a rate no higher than 1080p/60 Hz."

I don't know what that means about 120 Hz